The Story of the Cheap Guest Room

I recently moved to a town home with an extra bedroom. Until the last couple of weeks, the room was completely empty with the exception of a single antique chair. It looked like a perfect setting for a horror movie. I wanted to transform this space into a guest room, which was my original intent. But over the holidays, money went every which way but towards the project.

I honestly didn't want a room that I would not spend much time personally enjoying to break my budget. But as family and friends made plans to stay with me, I knew it was beyond ironic to offer them my couch when an empty room loomed above their heads.

The time had come, and I began to discover the elements of a perfect guest room at the best prices.

1. A bed.

Duh.

But nobody is sleeping in this bed on a regular basis. My mother plead that I buy a comfortable mattress for her visits, but as much as I love my mother, her comfort was not worthy hundreds and hundreds of dollars to me for an overnight stay once in a while. Yet I wanted to treat my guests well. Amazon came to the rescue.

DId you know that Amazon sells wonderfully comfortable mattresses for a good price? And the matterss comes in a box that I was able to lift upstairs on my own and unpack with ease. The mattress is stunningly comfortable. I recommend Spring Dreams 9" Two-Sided Pocket Coil Mattress. It's a lovely combination between firm and soft (for me at least), and I payed less than $200 with free shipping.

1. (Part B) A frame.

You don't need a box spring. You just don't. I found, once again on Amazon, a metal frame that is designed for a mattress to comfortably lay on it. The frame does not squeak and provides an industrial look that goes well with many styles and designs. I'm fond of Sleep Master SmartBase Mattress Foundation frame, which fluxuates in price but is always below $100, once again with free shipping. It's easy to put together and lightweight for future moving adventures.

BAM. You have a complete bed for less than $300.

2. Bedding.

Swallow your pride and go to Walmart. You can always upgrade, but Walmart sometimes can surprise you with appropriate bedding sets. I was as thrifty as possible and got a set that included a comforter, bedding, shams, and a decorative pillow. I love the idea of splurging on fun pillows rather on sheets nobody but the sleeper sees.

3. FIx the closet.

I love my town home, but the closet doors are appalling. To cover up the hideousness, I cut up my old Harper's Bazaar and Elle Decor magazines and practically decoupaged the sliding doors in design tableux. The result was a gallery pleasing to the eye and a splash of color that added a loft-like dimension to the room. I blended several styles so that every guest can find something to enjoy. The backdrop of the photo above is a slice of the finished project.

4. Window treatments.

Target has amazingly cheap, cute curtains. Remember, you can always upgrade, but you may wish to pick more neutral curtains that you can layer with future patterns you impulse-bought at Anthropologie. Keeping basic is both cost-efficient and blendable with changing styles.

5. One statement wall piece.

Go find a large painting at Hobby Lobby, or create your own abstract art in your studio to hang above the bed. The photo above showcases my pick. It may look a bit "hotel-ish," but it's a guest room. It's the one room of your house you don't live in regulary. Your guests will be more comfortable when they know the room was designed for them, not for you with the idea of guests on the side. There's a reason hotel owners don't hang up portraits of Great-Aunt Martha in the suites. Hotel-ish can be best.

6. Ask your friends and family for help.

Are you looking for a piece of furniture such as a bed stand or a small dresser? Tell people you are searching. Tell them your budget, send them Pinterest messages with your styles in mind. Your future guests will be able to enjoy the furniture they helped you find and feel even more at home.

Your room is now guest ready! You didn't break the bank, and you left room for future development. Every room is a canvas. For such a versatile and slightly-used room, choose erasable designs that are pleasent to view but easy to adapt.

#guestbedroom #decor #costefficient #lifestyle